Christmas Garden, more like!

What's that I see over there in the near distance?

It's red and green, and it's getting closer and closer...

Oh my goodness - IT'S CHRISTMAS!

Is it just me, or do I look really good with a beard?!

That's right, people. December is soon upon us, and with it comes my favourite present-giving, binge-eating holiday. If the rest of 2011 is anything to go by, time is going to fly by like a partridge on its way to a pear tree, so it helps to be prepared.

If you haven't starting buying presents yet and you live in the London area (or the surrounding south - I don't mean to exclude you), then have no fear! The festive folks over at Covent Garden’s Seven Dials and St Martin’s Courtyard are holding a special evening shopping event on 1st December were you can get a recession-friendly 20% off in their fancy stores, including their vintage boutiques. Not only that, but they also have a whole Santa's sack load of other stuff going on in their stores, including DJs, live music, makeovers, gifts with purchase, complimentary food and drinks and much much more! Christmas is the season of excess after all...

And as if that weren't enough, I'm going to be there too! I'll be wandering around drinking in some Christmas cheer and taking lots of snaps, so if you see me you must come and say ho ho ho...or just hello. Whichever you prefer.

If you're interested in swinging by and indulging yourself with some discount action, all you need to do is download a voucher from www.sevendials.co.uk to make sure you get that ever so helpful 20% off. And hopefully I'll see you there!

Much love,

Frankie

Swell Vintage

x

F'ing good!

Yesterday my friend Kyrie and I went to the launch for Florence and Fred's (that's F&F to you and I) collection for Spring/Summer 2012 at Clothing at Tesco.

Those lovely folks at Tesco certainly know how to throw a party! There were pretty things to look out, tasty foods to eat and - what always turns out to be a blogger favourite - a photobooth!

Kyrie and I posing it up.

I must confess, although I've only ever heard great things about F&F, this was the first time I'd had a good look at their pieces close up and they didn't disappoint. Not only was the quality excellent, but it's all very reasonably priced - what more could you ask for?!

There's a good mix of styles on offer too, ranging from fun neon brights to more demure elegant tweeds and lace. There was also an impressive array of Christmas costumes available from a bargainous £6 - definitely worth investing in for the holiday season!

We were also asked to select our favourite pieces from the collection. There were so many items and styles to choose from, but after long and careful deliberation we managed to narrow it down to one each.

Kyrie opted for this sexy leopard print number, which could work for a day at the beach or a night out on the town.

I chose this pretty little lace number. I'd wear it with black tights, black heels and some classic pearls.

So if you fancy treating yourself to a new outfit and don't want to break the bank, I highly recommend F&F at Clothing at Tesco. You'll be very pleasantly surprised!

Much love,

Frankie

Swell Vintage

x

Partying partying yeah!

One of the few things I miss about working in an office is attending an annual Christmas party. While you hard-working folk are all out getting dolled up for a night of canapes and a free bar, I will most likely be sat indoors, drinking tea and watching Poirot...

There's no hope for me, but there is something you can do to make your holiday party season even more special this year - go vintage! There are so many amazing vintage dresses out there, all dreaming of going to a good home and being worn out to your special occasion. Not only will it make you feel like a princess of Grace Kelly proportions, but there is no way on earth you could possible end up wearing the same thing as someone else!

Finding good quality vintage isn't always easy but - like most things in life - if you put in the time, you will be rewarded. Rewarded with a beautiful vintage dress that will last you a lifetime.

To help inspire you to go vintage this year, here are my top five favourite pieces that are available to buy online right now:

• 1950s Black Vintage Prom Dress, £200 at www.natashabailie.com

I believe the word you're looking for is "stunning"! Team this beautiful dress with some classic pearls, and you will be the belle of the ball.

• 1950s Coral Vintage Prom Dress by Lorrie Deb, £150 from www.lovemissdaisy.com

This dress is so pretty and elegant while also being incredibly flattering. Dita would be proud.

• 1980s Red Matte Sequined Wiggle Dress, £120 from www.rokit.co.uk

'Tis the season to be sparkly! Sequins are extremely popular at the moment, and they don't come much better than they did in the 80s.

• 1960s Black Lace Dress, $88/£56.21 from Dear Golden on Etsy

Sexy, demure and chic - black lace is the perfect way to play the femme fatale this Christmas.

• 1970s Red Halterneck Maxi Dress with Tassels, £55 from www.candysays.co.uk

How sexy is this dress?! Even Jessica Rabbit would be jealous! Add some jewels and you're ready to go.

So what do you think? I hope this has helped inspire you to consider vintage for this holiday season. But remember - vintage is for life, not just for Christmas.

Much love,

Frankie

Swell Vintage

x